ITHACA

In my own distressing moments, where health takes a beating and emotions drives the human body downstream, I have this comforting words from Viktor Frankl:

When a man finds it is his destiny to suffer, he will have to accept his suffering as his task. He will have to acknowledge the fact that even in suffering he is unique and alone in the universe. No one can relieve him of his suffering or suffer in his place. His unique opportunity lies in the way in which he bears his burden.

Viktor E Frankl
Man’s Search for Meaning


I take this moment to share a poem from Paulo Coelho to soothe my own heart and calm my soul:

ITHACA

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
know that the road is long and winding,
full of adventures, full of knowledge, and full of trials and tribulations.

The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Posseidon - do not fear them
You will never be hurt by them if your thoughts remain lofty,
if a fine emotion touches your spirit and your body.
Even if you encounter them, you need not fear,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your heart does not set them up before you.

Remember the destination that you wanted, that the summer mornings are many,
before you can reach the station where you belong to,
with such pleasure, with such joy,
you will enter the garden of Eden seen for the first time.

So, don't stop and look left, right and backwards,
it will cause more confusion and the minds will be misdirected.

Know what you want and where you are going,
for whatever you do now, will be counted in the pots as one,
Keep your virility and virtue, for they will derive blessings.

Fear not for what is of today,
for what counts is what will be tomorrow.
Strive through the journey,
and you will definitely reach the destination,
The ultimate point of satisfaction.

Always remember ITHACA in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal in life.
But do not hurry the voyage at all,
it is better to let it last the distance of time,
and to anchor at the island when you are ready,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that ITHACA will offer you riches.

ITHACA has given you the beautiful voyage,
without him you would never have set out on this journey,
he will be there to receive you will you finally arrive.

And if you find him poor, ITHACA has not deceived you,
wise as you have become, with so much you have gained,
by then, you must already have understood what ITHACA had done for you.

I dedicate this poem to my son William and my friend, and most of all, to remind myself.